March 15, 2012
Last night I was hurt and disappointed when the choir didn’t show up for Bible study. We planned on singing a song and only a few showed. And the few that did come, I felt I forced into it. They came to sing and then leave. And of course, the devil starts a bingo league on Wednesday nights and some would rather go to that.
I can’t take things so personally. That is my problem. When people don’t show up for practice, I take it personally. When people break a commitment, I take it personally. When people would rather play Bingo then come to Bible study, I take it personally.
But it’s NOT ABOUT ME! Even though I know that this is true, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to come to Bible study and spend time with God. But then I remember, its not always about others. I have to “work out my own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil. 2:12) Just as they do too. And sometimes I will be standing alone. And that’s okay. Cause I’m not alone. He is with me.
Psalm 73:23 says “Yet I am always with you; you hold Me by My right hand.”
I can’t place expectations on other people. Just because I enjoy something doesn’t mean others will too. And its not up to me to convince them to enjoy it, or make it enjoyable for them. That’s God’s job.
God has given me the desires of my heart. And He has put my desires in alignment with His. And no matter what anyone else does, I know what I want and expect from myself. And that’s all I can control.
Thank you so much for this! I have felt the exact same thing. Lately my friends have been letting me down, and sometimes they aren’t even willing to commit in the first place. I needed your words of encouragement. I kept getting discouraged and wondered why I bothered. It’s not about feelings. It’s about doing what God has told me to do. And If I’m the only one standing, I will still stand.